Window buck with retention flange

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for preventing the intrusion of poured concrete into the space defined by a window buck installed between concrete forms. The apparatus, system, and method include a window buck panel incorporating a concrete exclusion barrier comprising a protrusion formed on the body of the window buck panel; a flange affixed to an attachment leg of the window buck panel; or an appropriately shaped leg of a window buck panel. The concrete retention barrier is configured to contact a concrete form under pressure and remain in contact as the form alters shape from the weight of infused concrete. By preventing fluid concrete from entering a defined window cavity during formation of a concrete wall the apparatus, system, and method described eliminate the need to remove hardened concrete from the interior of the cavity before window installation. Use of certain embodiments of the described invention saves time and effort in preparing the window cavity for window installation and also preserves the cleanliness and precise configuration of the window installation surface.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/471,273, filed May 16, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to window buck panels and more particularly relates to preventing concrete from intruding into the space defined by assembled window buck panels.

2. Description of the Related Art

Concrete is well-known and widely used for various construction projects. Among concrete's many advantages, is concrete's transformation from a fluid state to a solid state. The concrete may be formed and mixed in a fluid state, poured it into a form, and allowed to cure into a hard and very strong object. In construction, concrete is generally used to form footings and foundation walls.

The forms for a foundation wall are generally modular and may be secured together to define various shapes of walls. The fluid concrete is poured between the forms, which may be spaced approximately six inches or more, an allowed to cure to form a wall that is the same shape as the space between the forms. As the forms for a foundation wall are set in place and secured as may be necessary, a buck system may be placed and secured between the forms in order to form a cavity or recess in the concrete wall that will be constructed. The buck system is intended to retain the fluid concrete outside of the desired recess and, after the concrete is cured and the forms are removed, define an opening such as a window or doorway through the concrete wall.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional window buck panel 102. The window buck panel 102 is typically formed of aluminum or a vinyl material and is used to define an opening in a concrete wall as the concrete is being poured. Generally, four separate window buck panels are oriented and joined at the ends to form a shape that defines a window opening 103 in a concrete wall, such as the finished basement foundation wall of a residence or commercial building. The shape of the window opening 103 may be rectangular, square, circular, or the like.

FIG. 1 shows the window buck panel 102 secured between a pair of concrete forms 104 (shown dashed). The depicted window buck panel 102 is oriented in a position to form a bottom panel of a rectangular window opening 103. For clarity, corresponding side and top panels are not shown. The concrete forms 104 are located on the interior and exterior sides of the window buck panel 102. The window buck panel 102 may be secured between the concrete forms 104 using a variety of known techniques, such as nails, screws, hanger ties, and so forth.

With the window buck panel 102 secured between the concrete forms 104, a fluid concrete 108 is poured into and fills a void between the concrete forms 104. The window buck panel 102, in conjunction with additional panels, such as side and top panels, defines the window opening 103 within the concrete 108 as it cures and solidifies.

With the fluid concrete 108 between the forms 104, the window bucks panel 102 and additional panels substantially prevent the concrete 108 from entering the window opening 103. The weight of the concrete 108, however, typically generates significant pressure, indicated by the arrows 110, on the bottom of the window buck panel 102. The concrete 108 may also exert lateral pressure on the concrete forms 104. These forces may move the window buck panel 102 and/or the concrete forms 104, creating a gap 112 between one or both of the forms 104 and the window buck panel 102.

The forces drive the fluid concrete 108 through the gap 112 and create an undesirable concrete formation 114 within the window opening 103. The concrete formation 114 within the window opening 103 must be removed prior to installation of a window frame or interior building finishes, including wall framing and finishes, as well as other materials. The movement of the interior concrete form 104 also creates an undesirable variation in the wall thickness. Additionally, more concrete 108 may be required to form the wall due to the concrete 108 that escapes into the window opening 103.

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that compensate for the formation of a gap between the buck system and the concrete forms. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would block the fluid concrete from entering the window or doorway cavity defined by the buck system and retain the concrete outside of the cavity despite any lateral movement of the concrete forms away from the buck system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, the need to prevent the intrusion of concrete into the cavity defined by assembled window buck panels. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system and method for defining a window cavity in poured concrete walls that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus for preventing the intrusion of concrete into the cavity defined by assembled window buck panels includes a window buck panel configured to contact a concrete form under pressure when the window buck panel is installed between concrete forms and to flex outward, thus maintaining tight contact with the form, when the form alters shape due to the weight of the concrete.

In one embodiment of the apparatus a rounded protrusion running the length of the panel body is associated with a flexture groove that allows the protrusion to move laterally in response to pressure from the concrete forms. In a further embodiment of the apparatus the concrete retention flange is attached to a leg extending from the window buck body. In another embodiment of the apparatus, the concrete retention flange comprises a substantially flat member projecting horizontally from the leg of the window buck panel.

In another embodiment of the apparatus the leg is further configured to flex inward under pressure from the concrete form. In another embodiment of the apparatus, the leg includes a rounded protrusion configured to bend the leg under pressure from the concrete forms. In a further embodiment of the apparatus, the leg may be configured to flex at the point of attachment to the window buck panel body, or at any point along the length of the leg. In a further embodiment of the apparatus, the leg may bow. In another embodiment of the apparatus, the leg is wider at the distal end and tapers inward toward the proximate end and is thus configured to assume the concrete retention function of the flange.

In a further embodiment of the apparatus the leg is positioned at an outward angle to the window buck panel, bringing the leg into contact under pressure when the window buck is installed between concrete forms. In a further embodiment of the apparatus the window buck panel includes securing flanges configured to become embedded in the cured concrete and hold the window buck in place.

A system of the present invention is also presented for preventing the intrusion of concrete into the space defined by the assembled window buck. They system may be embodied in a plurality of concrete forms configured to contain concrete during a curing period of the concrete: at least one buck panel defining a cavity between the concrete forms; and a concrete retention barrier attached to one of the at least one of the buck panels, the concrete retention barrier configured to contact at least one of the plurality of concrete forms under pressure and to prevent concrete intrusion into the cavity.

The system may be further embodied in a concrete obstruction barrier that is attached to the lateral edge of a window buck panel and configured to deform under contact pressure from a concrete form when installed. In a further embodiment the concrete obstruction barrier is configured to rebound toward its original form as contact pressure decreases, thereby maintaining contact with the concrete form. In a further embodiment the concrete retention barrier may comprise a shape selected from at least one of a flange, a rounded protrusion, a tapered leg, and an angled leg.

A method of the present invention is also presented for preventing the intrusion of poured concrete into the space defined by assembled window buck panels. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus and system. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of: forming a window buck system and thereby partially defining a window cavity, the window buck system comprising least one concrete retention barrier and one or more window buck panels; orienting the window buck system between a plurality of concrete forms and thereby fully defining the window cavity; and securing the window buck system between a plurality of concrete forms and displacing the at least one concrete retention barrier under pressure from the plurality of concrete forms.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a window system utilizing a conventional window buck;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a window buck panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a window buck panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a window buck panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a window buck panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a window system utilizing the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a window system utilizing the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective cut-away view of one embodiment of a window forming system incorporating the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of several embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of a window buck panel 202 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The window buck panel 202 preferably includes an interior surface 204 and an exterior surface 206. The interior surface 204 in one embodiment is substantially vertical and is parallel with an interior plane 205 (shown dashed) defining an interior lateral edge. Similarly, the exterior surface 206 in one embodiment is parallel with an exterior plane 206 (shown dashed) defining an exterior lateral edge. Extending downward from the interior surface 204 of the window buck panel 202 is an interior leg 208. Likewise, an exterior leg 210 extends downward from the exterior surface 206.

In one embodiment, the interior and exterior legs 208, 210 may be integrally formed with the body of the window buck panel 202, or alternatively may be attached to the panel 202. In either of these embodiments, the legs 208, 210 include a point of attachment 212 (proximal end) that defines the intersection where the interior and exterior surfaces 204, 206 meet the interior and exterior legs 208, 210, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the interior leg 208 includes a concrete retention flange 214. In the depicted embodiment, the concrete retention flange 214 is shown at the distal end of the interior leg 208. The concrete retention flange 214 preferably runs the length of the window buck panel 202 and extends laterally away from body of the window buck panel 202 and through the interior plane 205.

The interior leg 208 may flex or bend at the point of attachment 212 due to external forces, such as the direct contact pressure exerted by one of the concrete forms 104. Alternatively, the interior leg 208 may flex or bend between the point of attachment 212 and the concrete retention flange 214. The interior leg 208 preferably flexes under pressure produced when one of the concrete forms 104 contacts the concrete retention flange 214.

The concrete retention flange 214 is located, in one embodiment, at the distal end of the interior leg 208. Alternatively, the concrete retention flange 214 may be located anywhere along the interior leg 208 or the interior surface 204, so long as the placement allows suitable displacement concrete retention flange 214 when in contact with one of the concrete forms 104. The contact pressure between one of the concrete forms 104 and the concrete retention flange 214 prevents concrete 108 from creating and entering a gap 112 (see FIG. 1).

In another embodiment, the concrete retention flange 214 may be located on the exterior leg 210 or on the exterior surface 206 of the window buck panel 202. In a further embodiment, the window buck panel 202 may include one or more flanges 214 on each of the interior and exterior surfaces 204, 206 and legs 208, 210.

The concrete retention flange 214 is designed and located to provide increased contact pressure between the window buck panel 202 and the concrete forms 104 so as to resist concrete 108 intrusion into the defined window opening 103. The concrete retention flange 214 also may be referred to as a concrete retention barrier.

The position and configuration of the concrete retention flange 214 may vary. For example, the concrete retention flange 214 may be a substantially flat, horizontally projecting member. Alternatively, the concrete retention flange 214 may comprise a tapered interior leg 208 or exterior leg 210 that is wider at the lower end. The concrete retention flange 214 may further comprise a rounded protrusion, such as a nub suitably sized and positioned to bend the interior or exterior leg 208, 210 to increase the contact pressure and prevent concrete 108 intrusion.

In another embodiment, the interior and/or exterior surfaces 204, 206 may include a curved wall having a concave or convex cross-section. Alternatively, the interior and/or exterior legs 208, 210 may flare outwardly, away from the body of the window buck 202 panel by being connected to the respective surfaces 204, 206 at an appropriate angle that is substantially vertical. In the case of one or more flared legs 208, 210, the window buck panel 202 may or may not include a horizontally projecting member, such as the concrete retention flange 214. One skilled in the art will also recognize the potential cost, production, and installation benefits of a combination of one or more of the above implementations of the concrete retention flange 214.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the window buck panel 202. The depicted window buck panel 202 includes a concrete retention flange 214 attached to the distal end of the interior leg 208 and running the length of the window buck panel 202.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a representative embodiment of the window buck panel 202 having alternative implementations of the concrete retention flange 214. The window buck panel 202 comprises a tapered interior leg 216 that flares away from the body of the window buck panel 208 and through the interior plane 205. The depicted window buck panel 202 also includes a rounded protrusion 218 that extends away from the exterior leg 210 and through the exterior plane 207. The window buck panel 202 further includes securing flanges 230, 232 that extend inwardly from the interior and exterior legs 208, 210. The securing flanges preferably become fixably embedded in the cured concrete 108 and prevent the window buck panel 202 from moving or becoming dislodged from the concrete 108.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another representative embodiment of the window buck panel 202 having alternative implementations of the concrete retention flange 214. The depicted window buck panel 202 comprises an angled interior leg 220 that is angled slightly away from the body of the window buck panel 202 and through the interior plan 205. The depicted window buck panel 202 also includes a rounded protrusion 222 that is located on the exterior surface 206 and extends away from the exterior surface 206 and through the exterior plane 207. The exterior surface 206 of the depicted window buck panel 202 includes a flexure groove 224 that allows the exterior surface 206 and rounded protrusion 222 to move laterally in response to pressure from the concrete forms 104.

FIG. 6 depicts a window buck panel 202 secured between the concrete forms 104 prior to pouring the fluid concrete 108 in the space 105 below the window buck panel 202. The interior surface 204 and the exterior surface 206 of the window buck panel 202 each abuts one of the concrete forms 104. Alternatively, the width of the window buck panel 202 may be slightly smaller than the width of the concrete forms 104, in which case one or both of the interior and exterior surfaces 204, 206 may be slightly short of abutting the concrete forms 104.

The depicted window buck panel 202 has an interior leg 204 and a horizontally projecting concrete retention flange 214. The illustrated interior leg 204 and concrete retention flange 214 have been moved laterally due to the lateral pressure of the concrete forms 104. In the depicted embodiment, the interior leg 204 is hinged at the point of connection 212 (proximal end of the interior leg 204). In an alternate embodiment, the interior leg 204 may hinge or bend at multiple locations along the length of the interior leg 204. In a further embodiment, the interior leg may bow across the entire interior leg 204 or along one or more portions of the interior leg 204.

FIG. 7 depicts a window buck panel 202 secured between the concrete forms 104 after pouring the fluid concrete 108 below the window buck panel 202. With the window buck panel 202 secured in this fashion, the fluid concrete 108 is poured between the forms 104 and around the window opening 103 defined by the window buck panel 202 and additional side and top panels (not shown). After the concrete 108 solidifies and cures and the forms 104 are removed, the interior and exterior panel surfaces 204, 206 are exposed.

In the depicted embodiment, one of the concrete forms 104 on the interior side of the window buck panel 202 has been forced outward due to the lateral force, indicated by the arrows 110, generated by the weight of the fluid concrete 108. As the concrete form 104 is forced laterally outward, a gap 112 may be formed between the interior surface 204 and the concrete form 104. As the gap 112 is created, the interior leg 208 and concrete retention flange 214 returns to a détente position, maintaining a barrier between the concrete form 104 and concrete retention flange 214 that prevents the fluid concrete 108 from entering the window opening 103. In an alternative embodiment, the concrete form 104 may only partially be forced outward, allowing the interior leg 208 and concrete retention flange 214 to only partially return to a détente position, but still maintaining an adequate barrier to prevent the fluid concrete 108 from entering the window opening 103.

Once the window buck panel 202 is installed in the cured concrete 108 and the concrete forms 104 are removed, a window frame 224 may be attached to the window buck panel 202 within the window opening 103.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cut-away perspective view of a window forming system 800, including a plurality of window buck panels 202 a, 202 b that are secured (fasteners not shown) between a pair of concrete forms 104. The window buck panels 202 a, 202 b define a window opening 103 (side panels are not shown for clarity) and are encased in poured concrete 108. The window buck panels 202 a, 202 b each include a concrete retention flange 214. Each of the concrete retention flanges 214 contacts one of the concrete forms 104 and prevents intrusion of the concrete 108 into the defined window opening 103.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. An apparatus to define at least a portion of a window opening within a plurality of concrete forms, the apparatus comprising: a window buck panel having a panel body, the window buck panel configured to be secured between a plurality of concrete forms; and a concrete retention barrier extending laterally away from the panel and through a plane defining a lateral edge of the panel, the concrete retention barrier configured to contact at least one of the plurality of concrete forms under pressure and to prevent concrete intrusion between the panel body and the at least one concrete form.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the concrete retention barrier is attached to the panel body.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the concrete retention barrier is attached to an attachment surface of the panel body, the attachment surface comprising one of an interior surface and an exterior surface of the panel body.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the attachment surface comprises a flexure groove configured to allow the attachment surface to move laterally under pressure applied to the concrete retention flange.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the concrete retention barrier is attached to an attachment leg, the attachment leg comprising one of an interior leg and an exterior leg connected to the panel body.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the attachment leg is configured to flex and move laterally under pressure applied to the concrete retention barrier.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment leg is configured to flex at a point of junction between the attachment leg and the window buck panel body.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment leg is configured to flex at a point between a a proximal end of the attachment leg and a distal end of the leg.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment leg is configured to flex at a plurality of points on the attachment leg.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the concrete retention barrier comprises a substantially flat, horizontally projecting flange member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the concrete retention barrier comprises a tapered attachment leg that is wider at the distal end and tapers inward toward the proximate end.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the concrete retention barrier comprises a protrusion.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the concrete retention barrier comprises an angled leg.
 14. A system to prevent intrusion of concrete into a space defined by a plurality of buck panels, the system comprising: a plurality of concrete forms configured to contain concrete during a curing period of the concrete; at least one buck panel defining a cavity between the concrete forms; a concrete retention barrier attached to one of the at least one of the buck panels, the concrete retention barrier configured to contact at least one of the plurality of concrete forms under pressure and to prevent concrete intrusion into the cavity.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the concrete obstruction barrier is further configured to laterally displace under contact pressure from the concrete forms in the direction of the applied pressure.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the concrete obstruction barrier is further configured to return from a displaced position and maintain contact with at least one of the plurality of concrete forms in response to a lateral displacement of the plurality of concrete forms away from the buck panel.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the concrete retention barrier comprises a shape selected from at least one of a flange, a rounded protrusion, a tapered leg, and an angled leg.
 18. A method for preventing intrusion of concrete into a window cavity defined by a plurality of window buck panels, the method comprising: forming a window buck system and thereby partially defining a window cavity, the window buck system comprising at least one concrete retention barrier and one or more window buck panels; orienting the window buck system between a plurality of concrete forms and thereby fully defining the window cavity; and securing the window buck system between a plurality of concrete forms and displacing the at least one concrete retention barrier under pressure from the plurality of concrete forms.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising dispensing fluid concrete between the plurality of concrete forms.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising preventing the fluid concrete from entering the window cavity by maintaining contact between the at least one concrete retention barrier and the plurality of concrete forms. 